RENT

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RENT review by Cassie Huffmyier

Live on stage for the first time in the Twin Cities, the production of  RENT at the Lab Theater was a moving story of AIDS, heartbreak and love, as seen on Broadway. The difference is, Rent Minneapolis LIVE gave the big-city story a small-town feel.  Led by director Andrew Rasmussen, with directing  credits everywhere from the Chanhassen Dinner Theater to Radio City Music Hall, they accomplished the task of  inviting the sometimes-apprehensive  Minnesota audience to escape from the cold winter winds into their world.  With familiar Twin Cities faces,  the production showcased the enormous talent of local musicians Maria Isa and Harley Wood, playing the leading characters, Mimi and Roger.  The intimate setting of the Lab and the live band, paired with the ground-level stage made theater-goers feel as if they were watching the saga unfold right in their back yard. The production had costume changes with an unchanging set which worked to the actor’s benefit. Other local actors Reid Harmsen (who’s credits include High School Musical) and Kinaundrae Lee as the cross-dressing Angel, brought unique elements to the production.  The combination of powerful performances and the Lab Theater’s intimate setting left RENT’s haunting message with me long after I left the theater: “No day but today.”

Check out the behind the scenes photos by Rebecca McDonald of B FRESH Photography and Media:

For more information about the production, please visit: www.rentminneapolislive.com